The Forest of Xian (the 64th hexagram Xian)

明夷：騎肫逐羊，不見所望。徑涉虎廬，亡身失羊。

Riding a small pig to chase a flock of sheep, yet still unable to catch up with what is desired; rushing directly into the den of a tiger, resulting in the loss of both person and sheep. This indicates an omen of using inappropriate tools for the task, and a dangerous pursuit leading to loss. It is a great凶 (misfortune): using the wrong means, one should stop and act within one's capacity.

睽：安床厚褥，不得久宿。棄我喜宴，困於南國。投杼之憂，不成禍災。

The bed was laid out and thick cushions were placed, yet one could not stay for several nights; I left behind the banquet that should have brought joy, and found myself in distress in the southern country. Fortunately, like the case of Zeng Shen's mother who heard false accusations three times and ran away with the bamboo tablet, such anxiety did not result in real calamity. The story of throwing away the bamboo tablet is recorded in "Zhan Guo Ce · Qin Ce." This indicates a situation of being troubled and anxious without actual harm: short-lived comfort, false accusations that do not come to pass.

蹇：五日四維，安平不危。利以居止，保有玉女。

The number of five days and the four directions are each in their proper positions, everything is smooth and there is no danger; at this time it is most suitable to stay at home and remain still, and one can still retain a virtuous and precious woman. This signifies the image of maintaining stillness and securing peace. It is auspicious: remaining still brings good fortune, while reckless movement causes loss.

解：西賈巴蜀，寒雪至轂。欲前不得，反覆其室。

Going west to do business in Bashu, on the way there was heavy snow so deep it covered the wheels of the carriage; wanting to move forward but unable to, one had to turn back to one's own home. This indicates an omen of obstacles in travel and returning without success, which is凶 (unfavorable): long journeys for profit are not advisable, it is better to wait for the right time.

損：剛柔相呼，二姓為家。霜降既同，惠我以仁。

Strength and softness respond to and complement each other, uniting two families into one; at the time of Cold Dew, both parties share a cup of wine, harmonizing their hearts with benevolence and kindness. Ancient marriage customs often took place after Cold Dew but before the melting of ice, as mentioned in the "Xunzi · Da Lue." This signifies the harmony of yin and yang and a prosperous marriage, which is highly auspicious.

益：天馬五道，夾大分處。往來上下，相隨哭歌。凶惡如何。

The Heavenly Horse gallops along five major roads, with branches standing at each side of the main path; people go up and down, moving about, with cries of mourning and songs accompanying them along the way. This scene is so ominous. It indicates a portent of chaos and flight, a great calamity: one should remain still and avoid going out, and stay away from noisy and tumultuous places.

夬：出門懷憂，東上禍丘。與凶相遇，自為災患。

When leaving home, he was already troubled with worry and proceeded eastward to that hill of misfortune. Indeed, he encountered a wicked person on the way, and thus brought disaster upon himself. This indicates the image of knowingly doing something unpropitious yet proceeding anyway, which is extremely ominous. If there is doubt or suspicion, one should stop immediately and must not persist in going east.

姤：西行求玉，冀得隋璞。反見凶惡，使我驚惑。

He went west to seek for a precious jade, hoping to find treasures like the Su Hou pearl or the He Shi jade block; but instead encountered misfortune, leaving him both startled and confused. The Su Hou pearl and He Shi jade block are both considered supreme treasures, as mentioned in the Huainanzi. This indicates the omen of seeking extraordinary treasures leading to danger. Danger: one must not forcefully pursue things beyond one's due.

萃：出門無至，動作失利。御憂懷禍，使我多悴。（門一作入；至一作妄）

After leaving the door, one cannot reach the intended place, and every action brings misfortune; trying to defend against worries instead brings calamity, causing one to look tired and disheveled. This indicates a situation where any movement leads to trouble, hence it is凶 (a凶 omen). At this time, it is advisable to remain still rather than act, and both traveling and planning matters should be postponed. The marginal note states that 「门」 in one version is 「入」, and 「至」 in another is 「妄」.

升：高樓無柱，顛僵不久。紂失三仁，身死牧野。

A high building without support will soon collapse and become lifeless; just as King Zhou of Shang lost the three virtuous ministers, Wei Zi, Ji Zi, and Bi Gan, and eventually perished in the Battle of Muye. The mention of the three virtuous ministers is found in the "Analects of Confucius · Wei Zi," and the Battle of Muye is recorded in the "Book of Documents · Mu Shi." This indicates a situation of losing wise advisors and a crumbling foundation, which is extremely ominous. One should urgently seek out capable assistants; otherwise, collapse is imminent.

困：避禍迯殃，身全不傷。高貴疾顛，華落墜亡。

Avoiding misfortune and escaping calamity, preserving oneself without harm; those in high positions quickly fall, like flowers falling suddenly. This indicates the omen of retreating to preserve safety and the danger of being in high position: those who retreat are auspicious, while those who advance are inauspicious.

井：張牙反目，怒齰忿怒。狂馬撓犬，道驚傷軫。

The animals are snarling and baring their teeth, turning their faces against each other, angrily biting and tearing at each other; horses are running wildly, dogs are lunging about, startled and colliding on the road, breaking the rear crossbar of the carriage. This indicates a sign of mutual anger leading to injury, which is ominous: it is advisable to calm down, be patient and yield, and when traveling, beware of dangers involving vehicles and horses.

革：泉涸龍憂，箕子為奴。干叔隕命，殷破其家。

The well runs dry and the divine dragon feels anxious and fearful, while Ji Zi is forced to feign madness and become a slave. Bi Gan, the royal uncle, is executed by having his heart cut out, and the Shang dynasty eventually falls, leading to the destruction of the state and family. The stories of Ji Zi feigning madness and becoming a slave, and Bi Gan's death from谏言 are recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Annals of Yin." This signifies the plight of virtuous people suffering hardship and the collapse of the state and country, indicating a great misfortune.

鼎：向食飲酒，嘉賓會聚。牂羊大豬，君子饒有。

Facing an abundant meal and raising a cup to drink, distinguished guests and honored visitors gather in abundance; the mother sheep is fat and the large pigs are numerous, indicating the gentleman's household is rich and sufficient. This signifies a prosperous banquet with joy between host and guest. It is a great auspicious omen: suitable for holding a banquet, entertaining guests, and seeking wealth.

震：黃牛騂犢，東行折角。冀得百祥，反亡我囊。

Leading a yellow ox and a red calf eastward, they encountered the breaking of the calf's horns; originally hoping to gain various blessings, they ended up losing their belongings. The red calf is used for worship as mentioned in the Analects of Confucius, "The son of the plow ox is red and has good horns." This indicates an omen of seeking blessings but suffering loss, which is ominous: worship without response, loss of wealth while traveling east.

艮：路多枳棘，步刺我足。不利旅客，為心作毒。

The road is filled with citrus trees and brambles, each step pricking my feet; this is very unfavorable for travelers, who suffer hardship all the way, feeling as if poisoned inside. This indicates many obstacles on the journey, which is ominous: it is not advisable to travel far, as proceeding reluctantly only brings suffering.

漸：執斧破薪，使媒求婦。和合二姓，親御斯酒。召彼鄰里，公姑悅喜。

Holding an axe to chop firewood, one sends a matchmaker to arrange a marriage, uniting two families into one. The newlyweds personally present the wedding wine, inviting all neighbors and relatives, and the grandparents are all delighted. "How can one make a handle for an axe? Without an axe, it cannot be done. How can one win a wife? Without a matchmaker, it cannot be done." This comes from the Book of Songs, Bin Feng, "Faku." It signifies a marriage formed according to propriety and a joyful family celebration, which is very auspicious.

歸妹：駕車出門，順時宜西。福佑我身，安寧無患。

Riding in a carriage to travel afar, following the proper season, it is suitable to go westward; blessed by auspicious favor, the journey will be peaceful without misfortune. This indicates a favorable omen for choosing the right direction, auspicious: travel and relocation are suitable to the west, ensuring safety.

豐：日新東昇，魁杓為禍。漢臺為秦，使我久坐。

The sun rises day by day from the east, yet the Big Dipper's handle and its star point toward an ominous position, bringing calamity. The Han dynasty's towers have fallen into the hands of the Qin people, causing me to be trapped in this situation for a long time. This indicates an omen of celestial signs foretelling misfortune and a change in the foundation of a dynasty. Misfortune: the favorable time is not with oneself, so it is advisable to remain quiet and avoid contention.

旅：山陵丘墓，魂空室屋。精光竭盡，長臥無覺。

Between mountains and hills, there are only tombs and burial mounds; the souls remain guarding the underground dwellings. Vital energy and brilliance are completely exhausted, and thus they rest in eternal sleep without ever waking again. This signifies the image of dying from lack of breath and ending one's life, which is extremely凶 (fateful misfortune). When questioning about illness or longevity, it is unfavorable; one should instead strive to perform good deeds early on to prolong life.

巽：孩子含餌，為利所悅。探釜把甑，爛其手臂。

A child holds a piece of food in his mouth, excited by the immediate benefit before him; he reaches out to grab the pot or the steamer, but ends up burning his arm. This indicates a situation where one forgets the danger for the sake of immediate gain, which is ominous: seeking a temporary benefit will lead to real harm, and one should control oneself and act within one's capacity.

兌：何村待時，門戶獨悲。蚯蚓冬行，解我無憂。桑蠶不得，女紅無成。

He remains in a remote village waiting for the right opportunity, but the courtyard is cold and lonely, filled only with sorrow. Even earthworms emerge and crawl in winter, indicating abnormal seasons. This somehow relieves a little of my worries. The silkworms cannot be harvested, and thus the women's needlework and textile tasks cannot be completed. This indicates a disruption in the natural order and failure in livelihood, which is ominous. Matters related to sericulture and textile production will not succeed; it is advisable to seek alternative means of livelihood.

渙：解傷驚惶，散我衣裳，君不安邦。

In a state of great alarm, he unbinds his wounded area, his clothes disarrayed; the sovereign thus cannot stabilize the state. This indicates a situation where superiors and inferiors are disturbed, and the principles of order are lax, which is ominous. If internally he cannot maintain control, then externally disturbances will surely arise.

節：害政養賊，背主入愆。跛行不安，國為危患。

Failing in governance, nurturing villains, abandoning the sovereign and falling into wrongdoing; moving with a limp, unable to be stable, the state thus falls into peril. This indicates a sign of nurturing villains and harming oneself, a great misfortune: one should quickly remove corrupt ministers and rectify the root cause.

中孚：禍走患伏，喜為我福。凶惡消亡，災害不作。

Misfortune has departed far away, worries lie hidden and do not emerge, joy transforms into my blessings; dangers and evil things dissipate completely, calamities can no longer arise. This indicates a sign of turning misfortune into blessing, which is very auspicious: all matters proceed smoothly, long-standing difficulties can be resolved.

小過：老馬為駒，病雞不雛。三雌獨宿，利在山北。

An old horse is forced to act as a young colt, and a weak hen cannot hatch her eggs; three hens each live alone without a rooster to rely on. At this time, the direction to the north is still somewhat favorable. This indicates a situation where one's strength is insufficient to match their efforts, and there is an excess of yin with no yang. It is a凶 omen: seeking offspring and seeking a partner are both difficult, and only by choosing to face north can one seek a turning point.

既濟：播天舞地，嘵亂神所，居樂無咎。

People dance and sing joyfully, reaching up to heaven and spreading throughout the earth, their noisy voices disturbing the abodes of the deities; yet those who dwell there remain happy and without fault. This signifies an omen of joyous gatherings that are noisy but not harmful. Auspicious: worship and feasting are suitable, and indulgence will not lead to misfortune.

未濟：異國殊俗，情不相得。金木為仇，酋長擅役。

Being in a foreign land with customs entirely different, there is no harmony between people; it is like metal and wood mutually controlling each other, creating enmity. The local chief also arbitrarily forces me into service. This indicates a situation where one is in a distant place and subject to others, which is ominous: it is not advisable to go far to a foreign land, for if one goes reluctantly, one will surely suffer humiliation.

睽：倉盈庾億，宜稼黍稷。年豐歲熟，民得安息。

The granary is full to capacity, and the open-air grain piles are counted in the billions, most suitable for growing millet and foxtail millet. The harvest is abundant, and all five grains are ripe, allowing the people to rest in peace. This indicates a prosperous year and people's security, which is a great auspicious sign. It is favorable for farming, storing grain, and acquiring property.

乾：被服文衣，遊視酒池。上堂見觴，喜為吾兄。使我憂忘。（蹇之同人）

Dressed in beautiful brocade garments, he enjoys himself by the wine pool; entering the hall and drinking freely, he is delighted to meet his brothers and forgets his worries for a moment. This signifies the image of a joyful banquet and family reunion, which is auspicious: meeting with brothers and relatives can dispel sorrow. The note indicates that this hexagram is repeated from the hexagram of Difficulty (Jian) and the hexagram of Fellowship (Tong Ren).

坤：邑姜叔子，天文在手。實沈參墟，封為晉侯。

Yi Jiang was pregnant with Shuyu when she dreamed of the Mandate of Heaven in her palm, with heavenly characters bestowed by the heavens. Later, Shuyu was granted the fief of the old capital of the Shenshen deity's constellation Shen, becoming the Duke of Jin. This refers to the account in the "Zuo Zhuan · Zhao Gong Year 1" regarding Tang Shuyu's enfeoffment. The imagery signifies receiving the Mandate, a high status beyond measure, which is a great auspicious omen. It is suitable for seeking fame and position.

屯：改柯易葉，飯溫不食。豪雄爭強，先者受福。

The trees have changed their branches and leaves, and the food has been warmed but is not yet eaten. Heroes and outstanding individuals are competing to show off their strength, and those who act first receive the rewards. This indicates a situation of change and competition, where in times of great transformation, it is advisable to move quickly and take the initiative. Delaying will result in loss.

蒙：馨香陟降，明德上登。社神佑顧，命為大鄰。

The fragrant offerings of worship rise and descend between heaven and earth, and bright virtue reaches the heavens. The gods of state and land offer protection and favor, making the state a close neighbor to great powers. "Grain is not fragrant, but virtue is fragrant" comes from the Book of Documents, the Chapter on King You. This signifies the image of sincere reverence moving the spirits and ascending in status, indicating great good fortune.

需：老狼白駒，長尾大狐。前顛卻躓，進退遇祟。

An old wolf, a white horse, and a fox with a long tail are crowded together. If they move forward, they will trip; if they retreat, they will stumble. Whether they advance or retreat, they meet with supernatural disturbances. "The wolf trips on its jowl, and is hindered by its tail" is from the Book of Songs, Bin Feng, "Wang Ba." This signifies a situation where one is unable to decide on proper action, indicating misfortune: at this time, one should not act recklessly, but rather remain still and wait.

訟：山沒丘浮，陵為水魚，燕雀無廬。

A great mountain is submerged by water, small hills float in the waves, and high ridges become places where fish swim. Even swallows and sparrows lose their nests. This indicates a great flood overwhelming everything, with no place to take refuge. It is a major凶 (misfortune). One should avoid water dangers and move to higher ground.

師：懿公淺愚，不受深謀。無援失國，為狄所滅。

Wei Yi Gong had shallow insight and was foolish, refusing to adopt far-sighted strategies; in the end, he had no one to help him and lost his country, being destroyed by the Di people. The story of Wei Yi Gong's love for cranes leading to the fall of his state is recorded in "Zuo Zhuan · Min Gong Er Nian." This indicates an omen of refusing advice and losing one's life, which is extremely ominous: one should be humble and willing to listen to others' opinions; otherwise, one will be isolated and suffer defeat.

比：鼎易其耳，熱不可舉。大塗壅塞，旅人心苦。

The two ears of the tripod are broken and changed, making it too hot to hold; the main road is blocked, causing travelers great distress. "The tripod breaks its foot" and "the tripod's ear changes" are images from the line statements of the hexagram "Ding" (Tripod) in the Zhou Changes. These images signify a broken vessel and obstructed path, indicating misfortune: the tools one relies upon are unreliable, and travel is especially unfavorable.

小畜：凶聲丑言，要不可聞。君子舍之，往恨我心。（要當作惡）

Foul words and evil speech are truly unbearable; the gentleman can only abandon such a place and leave, harboring resentment on the way. This indicates a situation where one is forced to leave due to being in the wrong company. It is凶 (a凶 omen): one should distance oneself from petty people, even though one may not be willing to leave, one should withdraw. The marginal note says 「要」 should be 「恶」.

履：昧暮乘車，履危蹈溝。亡失群物，摧折兩軸。

The sky was dark in the evening, yet one was still driving, stepping onto a dangerous spot and falling into a ditch; the belongings on the cart were scattered, and both axles of the cart broke. This indicates a situation of acting at an inappropriate time, with damage to the vehicle and horses, which is a great misfortune. It is not advisable to travel at dusk; one should choose an appropriate time to act.

泰：南有嘉魚，駕黃取□。魴鱮詡詡，利來毋憂。

To the south there are plump and delicious fish; one drives a carriage to catch them. The鲂 fish and the鲢 fish swim in groups, their tails swishing, content and at ease, and benefits will follow, requiring no worry. "South has fine fish" comes from the Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, Jia Yu, a poem about feasting and entertaining distinguished guests. The original text here has missing characters, indicated by "□" for uncertainty without conjecture. This passage indicates a favorable omen of gaining benefits, auspicious.

否：隔在九山，往來勞難。心結不通，失其所歡。

Blocked by nine great mountains, coming and going is laborious and difficult; the heart's knot cannot be untied, and the originally beloved person is lost. This indicates an obstruction and difficulty in communication, a sign of broken affection. It is ominous: reunion is not in sight, and it is advisable to temporarily let go and be at ease.

同人：下流難居，任失多態。貞良溫柔，年歲不富。

Being in a low position downstream makes it hard to stay long; relying on the wrong person leads to loss of duty, with various situations arising. Even if one maintains integrity and a gentle, compliant nature, the harvest will still be poor. This indicates a situation where one is in a low position but lacks recognition of virtue, which is ominous. Good people may not necessarily become wealthy; it is advisable to remain content with poverty and uphold one's principles until the right time comes.

大有：狐狸雉兔，畏人逃去。分首竄匿，不知所處。

Foxes, wild chickens, and rabbits all flee in fear at the sight of people; they scatter in all directions and hide, no one knowing where they have gone. This signifies a situation where people are scattered and separated, indicating misfortune: the things sought after have already vanished far away, and searching for people or objects will all end in failure.

謙：異體殊俗，各有所屬。西鄰孤嫗，欲寄我室。主母罵詈，終不可得。

People of different appearances and customs each have their own proper place. A lonely old woman from the western neighbor wished to stay in my house, but the mistress of the household scolded her violently, and the matter could not be carried through. This indicates an omen of incompatibility and failure to accommodate, which is ominous: it is difficult to harmonize with different kinds of people, and even good intentions cannot be realized.

豫：怒非怨妒，貪得腐鼠。而呼鷹鸇，自今失餌。倒被困患。

Being angry is not due to hatred or jealousy, but merely because of a desire for a rotten dead mouse; yet he calls in eagles, hawks, and other birds to snatch it away, thus losing even the food in his mouth and falling intopredicament and misfortune. The 鹓鶵 (a virtuous bird) despises the rotten mouse and the 鸱 (a raven-like bird) scares it off, an event from the "Zhuangzi: Autumn Waters." This signifies the image of greed for small gains leading to great losses and inviting trouble, which is extremely凶.

隨：五心六意，岐道多怪。非君本心，生我恨悔。

Three minds and two intentions, indecisive, with every turn at the crossroads full of strange occurrences; this is not your true heart, yet it has caused me to feel resentment and regret. This indicates a situation of wavering will and mutual suspicion, which is ominous: in planning matters, one should be focused and determined; hesitation will surely lead to discord.

蠱：三班六黑，同室共食。日長月息，我家有德。

Three rows of spots and six black heads of livestock are grazing together in the same pen in harmony without contention; they grow day by day and multiply month by month, leading the family to accumulate great virtue. This indicates a favorable omen of abundant livestock and increasing family prosperity, which is very auspicious; it is suitable for raising livestock and buying property.

臨：方船備水，旁河燃火，終身無禍。

Joining two boats together to prevent flooding, making fires by the riverbank for warmth and cooking, everything is prepared in advance so there is no danger, thus avoiding misfortune throughout life. This signifies the image of taking preventive measures beforehand leading to security, which is a great auspicious omen: by preparing for things in advance, one can ensure long-term peace and safety.

觀：翳屏獨語，不聞朝市，利以居言，究被後門。

Hiding behind a screen and talking to oneself, unable to hear the happenings of the court or the marketplace; such a situation is suitable for retreating into seclusion and speaking cautiously, ultimately needing to escape through the back door secretly. This indicates a situation that is favorable for concealment rather than exposure: maintaining a low profile ensures safety, while displaying oneself brings potential future troubles.

噬嗑：居處不安，徒反觸患。

The place where one resides is not peaceful, leading to a fruitless journey that ends in misfortune. This indicates a situation where movement and stillness are both difficult, which is ominous. One should not stay long, as hasty actions will bring trouble. It is advisable to choose an auspicious time and plan carefully.

賁：刺刖髡劓，人所賤棄。批捍之言，我心不快。

Having suffered punishments such as branding, amputation of the foot, shaving of the head, and nose cutting, one is looked down upon and abandoned by the world; upon hearing further insults and confrontations, the heart becomes even more distressed. Branding, amputation, shaving, and nose cutting were all ancient forms of corporal punishment, mentioned in the Book of Documents, the Book of Yu's Punishments. These represent the image of being subjected to bodily punishment and rejected by people, which is a great misfortune: one should be cautious in following laws and regulations, and avoid legal troubles.

剝：皋田禾黍，堆壤麻阜。衣食我躬，室家饒有。

Water surrounds fertile fields filled with rice and millet; the ridges are piled high with hemp stalks like small hills. Clothing and food come from these sources, and the whole family is affluent and well-provided for. This indicates a prosperous situation of abundant farming and weaving, a great blessing: the benefits of agriculture and sericulture can sustain the family.

復：兩目失明，日奪無光。脛足跛踦，不可以行。頓於丘傍。

Both eyes are blinded, and the light of day is taken away; the lower legs and feet are lame and crippled, making it impossible to take even a step, so one can only lie helplessly by the side of a hill. This indicates an omen of blocked ears and eyes, and obstruction in movement and rest, a great凶 (misfortune): not suitable for traveling or pursuing endeavors, but rather suitable for staying in place and resting quietly.

旡妄：金城朔方，外國多羊。履霜不時，去復為憂。

A strong city of metal is built in the northern border region, with foreign tribes having numerous cattle and sheep. However, the time of frost has already arrived, indicating an incorrect season, and coming and going have become troubles. "Walking on frost, solid ice comes" comes from the Line Statement of the first line of the initial hexagram in The Zhou Changes (I Ching), symbolizing the gradual accumulation of calamity. It indicates a situation where although the border region is strong, signs of change are emerging, which is ominous: one should be alert to subtle signs and prevent problems before they arise.

大畜：匿痼不醫，亂政生災。紂作淫虐，商破其墟。

Hiding a long-term incurable illness yet avoiding medical treatment, leading to disorderly policies and eventually causing calamity; King Zhou of Shang indulged in licentiousness and cruelty, and the Shang dynasty finally fell, leaving only ruins. This refers to the event of Zhou's downfall recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Annals of Yin." It signifies the omen of concealing faults leading to disaster and ultimately to downfall, which is extremely ominous: if one has an illness, treat it early; if one has a fault, correct it early.

頤：鬼哭泣社，悲傷無後。甲子昧爽，殷湯絕祀。

The spirits weep by the earth altar, grieving that they will no longer be worshipped by descendants; on the Jiazi day as the Heavenly General awakens, the lineage of Shang Tang comes to an end. The Battle of Muye took place on the Jiazi day at dawn, as recorded in the Book of Documents, the "Musi" section. This signifies the disruption of ancestral worship, a great misfortune: it portends loss and extinction of lineage, and one should cultivate great virtue and perform good deeds to change this fate.

大過：焱風卒起，車馳袍褐。棄古追亡，失其和節。憂心惙惙。

A sudden violent storm arises, with vehicles and horses rushing swiftly, garments torn and tattered; abandoning ancient established methods to pursue what has already perished, losing the harmonious order, the mind filled with sorrow. This indicates a situation of abandoning the fundamental and pursuing the superficial, with disorder and chaos, which is ominous: one should uphold the old established ways and must not lightly alter the customary order.

坎：耄老失明，聞善不從。自今顛沛，反為咎殃。

A person has grown old, is confused and stubborn, and has lost his sight; he refuses to accept good advice. From now on, he will suffer hardship and misfortune, and will bring upon himself calamity. This indicates a situation of stubbornness and refusal to accept goodness, which is ominous. It is advisable to listen to advice and change one's course, otherwise one will bring about self-imposed difficulties.

離：隨風騎龍，與利相逢。日獲三狐，商伯有功。衢衢之邑，長安無他。

Riding on the wind and driving a dragon, encountering only benefits along the way; hunting three foxes in one day, the merchant leader thus establishes meritorious deeds. "Field hunting three foxes" comes from the Second Line of the Nine in the Second of The Zhou Changes. In a city with four roads and eight paths, long-term peace and no other worries. This signifies a favorable situation for gaining benefits, great auspiciousness: both business and travel will bring substantial gains.

咸：三牛五牂，重明作福。使我有得，疾入官獄。憂在心腹。

Three oxen and five female sheep were offered as sacrifices, with bright light descending to bring blessings, allowing me to gain something. But soon I was implicated and imprisoned, with sorrow and distress accumulating in my chest. This indicates an omen of gaining and then losing again, and joy turning into worry: initially there was gain, but one must beware of legal troubles and imprisonment.